In a celebration that bridged education and transportation, Penske Truck Leasing recently held a dedication ceremony at the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Dallas campus. The focal point of the event was the unveiling of the revitalized diesel classroom.
The ceremony, attended by Penske representatives, UTI Dallas students, faculty and community members, underscored the opportunities that are available for students when partnerships between schools like UTI and key industry leaders like Penske are formed.
“This new classroom reflects our commitment to advancing technology and fostering academic excellence,” said Jesus Mirando, UTI Dallas Campus President. “We extend our gratitude to Penske for their instrumental support in making this endeavor a reality.”
In 2010, during the Dallas campus’ establishment, Penske was the first to pioneer a partnership with the Institute this way. Over the years, this space has been a hub for students aspiring to enter the dynamic world of transportation, logistics and technology. Fast forward to today, and the dedication ceremony marked the next chapter in this longstanding collaboration and a renewed commitment to innovation in the field of technical education.
The relationship between the Institute and Penske is a source of encouragement for students aspiring to enter the field, offering them a promising pathway by combining academic insights with the practical exposure needed for future success.
Sal Boemia, Penske south-central area maintenance manager, and Jeff Hunt, Penske south-central region vice president of field maintenance, both spoke passionately about the significance of investing in education and the pride they felt in being part of a decade-long collaboration. They emphasized the crucial role that technical institutes play in shaping the future workforce, especially in industries with a significant need for skilled professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 28,500 openings for diesel service technicians and mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.
“When this opportunity first came about a decade ago, it was a natural extension of our belief in the power of education,” said Hunt. “We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with the Institute, empowering the next generation of professionals and actively drawing in top talent to fuel ongoing advancements in the field.”
Penske has a longstanding relationship with many UTI campuses across the nation and works with leading technical schools and related organizations such as SkillsUSA and the TechForce Foundation to meet its growing demand for diesel technicians. Due to the Dallas campus’s central location, Penske has recruited numerous graduates from the Institution for all its locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. As of this Spring, Penske has hired nearly 4,000 graduates from UTI institutes nationally.
Penske Truck Leasing operates and maintains one of the industry’s largest fleets with its truck maintenance technician workforce comprising about 10,400 of the company’s 42,400-plus associates. Visit Penske’s career sites: https://technician.penske.jobs and https://penske.jobs/body-shop/ to learn more about diesel and body shop technician careers and to apply for openings across North America.
By: Move Ahead Staff
